Here is a list of four basic sewing machine stitches. If you're new to sewing, practice these stitches on some fabric scraps to build your skills and confidence.

Straight Stitch
This stitch is used most often. You can adjust the length of the stitches, to suit your project, but a good standard is about 12 stitches per inch.

Reverse/Back Stitch
This is a stitch that sews backwards. It is usually a button or lever on your machine. You will use this for a few stitches at the beginning and end of your seams to keep them from coming undone.

Basting Stitch
This stitch is used when you want to hold fabric together, but you don't want it to be permanent. This stitch can also be used when the gathering technique is needed for your project. You will have to set your machine's stitch length so that the stitches are longer than regular straight stitches. This will make it easy for you to remove stitches or pull to gather.

ZigZag Stitch
This stitch is used most often as a seam finishing technique, when you don't have an overlock machine (serger). It is used to prevent the fabric edges of your project from fraying. Another popular use for this stitch is for applique (see our Applique Basics eBook at Tazetta.com).